Parents of children at two primary schools have been warned after a masked man was seen chasing young pupils in a park.
The group of children, aged between nine and 11, were playing in a wooded area when a man, covering his face with a balaclava, started running after them in the quaint village of Hallow, Worcestershire.
Hallow CofE Primary School and Martley CofE Primary School raised the alarm after the pupils were chased at around 4pm last Friday.
Two men were also spotted hovering around the area in a dark coloured 4×4, with a local farmer taking down the vehicle’s details.
Robert Hannon, the headteacher of Hallow CofE, told parents in a letter: ‘A group of children from years 5 and 6 were playing in the wooded area and were chased by a man wearing a balaclava.
‘A local farmer saw and took note of the car and reg etc.
‘There were two men in the car – it was a dark 4×4. The children are all safe and despite being slightly shaken, have coped well under the circumstances.
‘I have today reminded years 5-6 to be aware of strangers and that if anything happens they must get an adult as quickly as they can.
Pictured is the Hallow Play area in Worcestershire where the terrifying incident is said to have happened
Hallow CofE Primary School and Martley CofE Primary School raised the alarm after the pupils were chased at around 4pm last Friday
‘I didn’t want to scare them, but thought this is an important reminder.
‘The children involved have naturally spoken about it to their friends, so it is quite possible that your child may be aware if they are in these classes. ‘
Concern has also been raised by Martley CofE Primary School where staff have put out their own warning to parents.
In an email to parents, the school said: ‘Can you please remind your children about the importance of keeping themselves safe in the community, being vigilant and reporting concerns to a trusted adult.’
Cllr Dean Clarke, an independent representing Hallow and Holt on Malvern Hills District Council, said: ‘It’s obviously concerning. Hallow is normally a very safe area.
‘Anyone who does know anything I would urge them to contact the police.’
The incident has been reported to West Mercia Police.
A spokesman for the force told MailONline: ‘Officers have been carrying out enquiries and reassurance visits following an incident in Hallow Park on Friday, 28 March.
‘It was reported that a man briefly chased a child through the park before returning to a nearby parked car, in which there were two other men in. He did not make physical contact with the victim, nor attempt to. The car was then driven off.
‘The local Safer Neighbourhood Team have spoken to nearby schools and youth groups to make them aware of the incident and to offer reassurance that we are working through lines of enquiry to identify the men who were in the car and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘As you would expect, the child involved, and their family have also been spoken to by officers. We understand the concern this incident may have caused. Patrols have been increased in the area, and we encourage anyone to speak to an officer if they feel they need to.
‘Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Molly-Ann Smith on molly-ann.smith@westmercia.police.uk.’